Repeat from my report on Cucamonga post with a couple of additional notes:

• Water is available just before Kelly Camp if you are filtering.
• Lots of tents at Kelly camp so get there early if you are backpacking and want a spot.
• Cucomonga, Ontario, Bighorn route is around 19 miles and 5900’ of elevation gain.

I can’t recall a hike with so many people on the trail. I normally hike solo, looking for some solitude, alone with my thoughts and the surroundings.  With that said, it’s great to see so many people sharing the same passion for the amazing mountains we are blessed with. It was a great opportunity to hone my trail etiquette skills.

I set out to hike Cucamonga, Ontario, and Bighorn in one day. Went to Cucamonga Peak peak first, steady climbing, trail 99.9% clear, passed several large groups and lots of fellow hikers. Cucamonga is summit is one of the best for both views and summit quality. Shared the peak with four others including, Ken, a guy I met at a golf event and no idea was an avid hiker till we     crossed paths on the trail.

After taking in the views and a quick snack I headed back to Icehouse saddle and up to Ontario Peak. There were a few more snow crossings on this part, but easily navigated in just hiking boots. This is a really cool section of trail which goes through several changes in flora and has great views toward Mt. Baldy.  Ontario peak summit, wow, this is was my first time up and my new favorite! Spent a while here climbing on the rocks, the big tree, and eying up the sketchy boulder over the void.

Hiked back to the saddle between Ontario and Bighorn, and up along the ridge line to Bighorn Peak. Like Ontario Peak there are several false summits before getting to the actual peak. I was hoping to see some sheep, but no had luck with that. Great views of Cucamonga and Baldy from the top. Looks like there is a possible short cut to the saddle between Bighorn and Cucamonga that I will need to check out another time.

After Bighorn it’s pretty much all down hill hiking to the trailhead.

So the last few hikes, I have had an issue with feeling nauseous and having a headache on the way down only a mile or so from the  trailhead.  I think it was less related to altitude and more from needing easy to digest calories. I borrowed an idea from my triathlon races, Maple syrup. I have a small 5 oz. bottle made by Hammer Nutrition.  Drank half while on Ontario peak and half on Bighorn Peak, seemed have to work well.